Some devices are already DIAL-compatible, even though the new service has been kept quiet until recently

Better watch your back, AirPlay -- Netflix and YouTube have teamed up on a secret project that aims to be worthy competitor.

Apple's AirPlay allows wireless streaming of video, audio and photos from an iOS device to an HDTV or speakers via Apple TV. Users can also mirror what's on their iOS screen to their TV screen.

Now, Netflix and YouTube are making a similar service of their own called "Discovery And Launch," or DIAL for short. DIAL is a protocol that does exactly what the name suggests: helps developers of second-screen apps discover and launch apps on smart TVs and other connected devices.

Both Netflix and YouTube had launched their own separate second-screen integration technology in the past, but they figured that working together would result in a major product that could compete with AirPlay.

DIAL would allow users with the Netflix app on their phone to automatically discover a device with a Netflix app connected to their TV. From there, both apps will be launched without the user having to manually launch each app individually.

DIAL can do a few things that AirPlay can't. For instance, Apple can't launch app on Apple TV. Not only can DIAL launch Web apps on a user's TV, but it can also detect whether an app is installed and navigate the user's smart TV to its app store if it's missing.

Some devices are already DIAL-compatible, even though the new service has been kept quiet until recently. Many big names showed interest in Netflix and YouTube's second-screen love child, including Sony and Samsung. Some Samsung and LG TVs are among those with DIAL compatibility.

In DIAL's registry for those looking to use it, other big names like the BBC, Pandora, Hulu and Flingo signed up.